May Half-Term Family Fun at Elizabeth Gaskell’s House

Shekina Rose, Families Editor

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May Half-Term Family Fun

24 May-5 June 2025

Always double check opening hours with the venue before making a special visit.

Family dressed as Victorians
Elizabeth Gaskell's House
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Family fun and discovery awaits this May half-term at Elizabeth Gaskell’s House in Manchester. Step back in time to a 19th century world of creativity and exploration, where kids can enjoy all sorts of activities, including arts, crafts, games and adventure trails in a historic house and museum that celebrates the life and literature of renowned Victorian writer, Elizabeth Gaskell.

From dressing up in outfits from the Victorian times, to creative arts and crafts, as well as fun and games, there’s something for everyone to enjoy this May half-term at Elizabeth Gaskell’s House. Take part in the popular Cranford the Cat trail, an exciting adventure which takes place in both the house and garden. The trail is great for adults and kids alike, filled with fun facts, games, and ways to support wildlife while reducing your carbon footprint at home.

While in the garden, you’ll also discover beautiful summer flowers in bloom, many of the plants you’ll see are referenced in Elizabeth’s letters and novels, as well as from Victorian garden history.

Food options at the house include tasty treats like cakes and soup which you can purchase from the special 19th-century tea room, or you’re welcome to bring a picnic to eat outside on those warmer, sunnier days.

Kids go free with every paying adult to Elizabeth Gaskell’s house, so it’s a great option if you’re feeling a bit strapped for cash and just fancy a lovely, wholesome day out with the kids.

Where to go near May Half-Term Family Fun at Elizabeth Gaskell’s House

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Gaskell Society

These regular talks in both Manchester and Knutsford unpack the meaning and significance of Elizabeth Gaskell’s writing.

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19 May – 1 July
Wednesday to Sunday, 11am-4pm
Free entry, tickets are available to book online

Please use the Parkside entrance to enter the gallery and café.

We are currently open for film screenings of our new exhibition, Imran Perretta: the destructors.

The Whitworth Café, Art Garden and Collections Care Centre are also open from May to June. The rest of the gallery remains closed while we install our next exhibitions, following COVID-19 safety guidelines.

We look forward to welcoming you back again when we re-open fully on 2 July with new exhibitions, and extended opening times, as part of Manchester International Festival, #MIF21

Visit our website and follow us on social media for updates.
manchester.ac.uk/whitworth 
@WhitworthArt

Winner of Visit England’s gold prize for Large Visitor Attraction of the Year in 2016 and winner of the Art Fund’s Museum of the Year in 2015, the Whitworth was originally founded in 1889 as the first English gallery in a pa
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